We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started working in a school for special needs children over 5 years ago and my one constant thought was: “Why are there no STEM/Coding & Media Arts programs for special needs students and adults?” Sure there are your one off programs that will accept students that they consider “Rain Man-esque” but there are no universal programs for students and people of ranging developmental diversity. That and the fact that we live in a forever evolving digital world. Everyone deserves access to the basic skills and knowledge you need to work/survive in today’s time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
So, as I mentioned earlier, my business revolves around STEM/Coding & Media Arts teaching for special needs students and adults. However, it’s expanded into so much more than developing curriculum. My business has expanded into so much more. From selling materials that integrate into other teaching experiences to teaching neuro-diverse adults how to create and manage things like podcasts and Youtube channels; I’ve really been working hard at trying to make a more inclusive world. Something I’m really excited about is a range of inclusive tools/apps I’ve been working on that I plan to release for low costs. After all, inclusive tools shouldn’t break the bank.

Getting my business started was not easy. I owe a lot to this program called “Start Small Think Big” which helps low income individuals start their own businesses. Their workshops really helped equip me with the business knowledge I needed to get started. An important lesson I’ve learned along this journey is that everyone needs help. Social Media always makes starting a business sound so easy. But there are so many rules, laws, and costs associated with starting a business.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it is a very small EdTech & Instructional Design start-up that really has people in mind. Creating things that are inclusive shouldn’t cost a fortune and with my business I am aiming to make accessibility more…. accessible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite thing to always do is Brewery & Wine tours. So, if a friend was visiting we would definitely go on a few brewery tours.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I recognize that the foundations of our success are built upon the support and love from those around us. So, my first shoutout would have to be to my fiance who has constantly encourage me to pursue my dreams and supported me on every step of my journey. I would also have to shoutout the school that allowed me to develop my skills and create curriculum for students, the Rebecca School in NYC.

Website: https://theskjema.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skjema_edtech/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Skjema_

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.